He had the career, the success, and the recognition. So why was he miserable?

In this episode, Chip Conley sits down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and former Medtronic CEO Bill George to explore why success without purpose can leave even the most accomplished people feeling unfulfilled.

Drawing from personal loss, career setbacks, and decades of leadership experience, Bill shares the lessons that helped him discover his True North and build a life centered on meaning rather than achievement.

You'll learn:

Why success alone will never be enough
How adversity reveals who you really are
What it means to find your True North
Why authentic leadership starts with self-awareness
How to stay purposeful and engaged at every stage of life

Whether you're navigating midlife, rethinking your career, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for living and leading with purpose.

Listen now and discover what happens when success gives way to meaning.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:38) Bill George’s Leadership Journey

(07:09) Loss, Grief, and Life Lessons

(10:24) The Honeywell Wake Up Call

(13:08) Discovering Purpose at Medtronic

(14:49) What Authentic Leadership Really Means

(18:28) How Crucible Moments Shape Leaders

(22:22) External Validation vs Inner Purpose

(25:03) Finding Your True North

(28:32) Exercises for Self Discovery

(30:54) Why Business Education Must Change

(35:42) Retirement and Staying Purposeful

(40:13) A Lifetime of Growth and Curiosity

(42:24) Midlife as a Time to Reflect

(43:38) Helping Others Reach Their Potential

(44:26) Three Lessons from Bill George

Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/

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